Risk factors of type-2 diabetes among refugees in gaza strip-palestine - a case control study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a complex and chronic condition that requires lifelong management and interaction with a healthcare system. Failure to control risk factors through preventive care may lead to a host of diabetes-related complications. The main aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of type-2 diabetes among refugees in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A case-control study design was adopted to conduct this study within the period January - April 2021. The study sample consisted of 107 diabetic patients and 107 controls, selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected by validated interview questionnaire which consisted of several domains. Matching was done by patients' age, sex and residency place. Data analysis was done using SPSS using different statistical tests and binary logistic regression. Ethical issues were considered strictly, and the protection of study participants has been ensured. Results: The study results revealed that, with increase in eating fruits; risk of DM is decreased by 66.0%. In addition, with increase in eating vegetables, the risk of DM is decreased by 29.0%. Those who are obese have increased the odds to have DM by 0.259 than those who have normal BMI. In addition, those who have TG at borderline; have increased the odds to have DM by 0.333 than those who have normal TG, and those who have high TG; have increased the odds to have DM by 0.260 than those who have normal TG. Conclusion: Risk factors of type-2 DM include not enough eating vegetables, obesity, and TG. The high prevalence of DM and its complications call for a multi-faceted strategy before the prospect of even further rises becomes a reality. Such a strategy could include the creation of public health awareness campaigns, improving current screening services, increasing diabetes educational efforts professionals and non-healthcare professionals whilst further implementing diabetes specific treatment programmers and follow-up services,especially in under-serviced areas within developing countries.